I am thrilled this is now available, as I was fortunate to work on this project–the 2nd edition of the National Training Standards for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiners (PDF) is now available. Published by OVW, it updates the original training standards, incorporating pediatric practice and the corresponding national protocols for the 1st time. Of particular importance is a note about its intended audience:

The intended audience for the National Training Standards are clinicians (registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants and physicians) who have been specially trained to provide comprehensive, specialized care to patients1 who present with known or suspected sexual assault or abuse, including the medical forensic examination, evidence collection and testimony. Patients who have experienced sexual assault and abuse have a variety of complex concerns at the time of the examination, such as safety; injury; pregnancy and disease risk; legal reporting and evidence collection options and requirements; and both short- and long-term health sequelae. For these reasons it is critically important that healthcare facilities provide specially trained examiners to properly provide care for this patient population. For communities unable to provide specially trained examiners, Appendix C outlines the training all providers should have prior to performing an examination on a patient who has been sexually assaulted or abused.

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Forensic Healthcare Online strives to enhance clinical excellence by promoting scientific literature, peer-reviewed technical guidance, and free and low-cost continuing education. It also provides a gateway to a variety of professional services, from curriculum development to training to expert witness testimony, offered by respected forensic clinicians, including FHO’s founder, Jenifer Markowitz.